Hungary Lifts Veto on EU Sanctions Against Russia
Hungary has withdrawn its veto on the European Union’s extension of sanctions against Russia. This was done after a surprise vote by EU foreign ministers, who approved a six-month extension of the sanctions.
The decision to lift the veto was made after US President Donald Trump threatened to impose sanctions and tariffs on Russia if Russian President Vladimir Putin did not agree to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban had previously blocked the extension of the sanctions, saying he would only reconsider when Trump took office. Orban is a close ally of Trump.
The EU sanctions were imposed on Russia in response to its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. They must be extended by unanimous vote every six months.
Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski believes that Trump’s threats played a role in Hungary’s decision to withdraw its veto. “I think President Trump helped here,” Sikorski said.
The EU chief diplomat, Kaja Kallas, welcomed the extension of the sanctions. She said it would deprive Moscow of revenues to finance its war and encouraged Russia to pay for the damage it is causing.
The conflict between Ukraine and Russia continues with Russian forces intensifying their assaults near Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast. Ukrainian troops are facing encirclement attempts by small groups of Russian forces.
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